Author:focus-on-transport

Confidence, resilience, and results November 6, 2024 “You’ll never be able to do it.” Those were the discouraging words from a male colleague when Helena Kershoff was appointed branch manager of UD Trucks in Worcester, Western Cape. But as COLIN WINDELL reports, she has proven him completely wrong. Helena Kershoff’s career in the trucking industry began humbly, first as a receptionist and then as a service advisor, before she eventually moved up to branch administrator. When the company was sold […]

Understanding lubricant pour point depressants November 7, 2024 As part of an ongoing exploration of additives with WearCheck’s condition monitoring specialists, this article focuses on how pour point depressants (PPDs) impact oil rheology, or flow behaviour. PPDs prevent oil congelation at low temperatures due to wax crystallisation. “They do this by modifying the interface between the crystallised wax and the oil. Examples of PPDs include polymethacrylates (PMAs), alkylated wax naphthalene, and alkylated wax phenol,” explains Steven Lumley, technical manager for […]

Alpine and Sinotruk: Recipe for success November 11, 2024 Sinotruk, though a relative newcomer to South Africa, is rapidly expanding its market share. Durban-based Alpine Truck and Bus, the brand’s largest-selling dealer in the country, has played a crucial role in this success. CEO Bruce Dickson, with over 40 years in the commercial vehicle industry, tells NICOLA JENVEY that he’s not surprised by Sinotruk’s success. Two years ago, Dickson saw an opportunity to get involved with Sinotruk’s Howo and Sitrak […]

Powerfleet’s Unity Operations Centre boosts efficiency November 14, 2024 Recognised as the third-largest artificial intelligence internet of things (AIoT) company globally, the US-headquartered Powerfleet officially launched its Unity Operations Centre in La Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, in October 2024. NICOLA JENVEY attended the official opening. Powerfleet’s multi-million rand investment into its Unity Operations Centre in South Africa will create around 400 jobs as it maximises modern technology to provide customers with real-time fleet management and safety. The initiative integrates advanced AI and […]

The Scrappy-Doo of trucks October 18, 2024 The Iveco T-Way is the latest in a family of ultra-capable, hard-working, and race-proven trucks. It has a lot to live up to, but as GAVIN MYERS, editor of New Zealand Trucking (and previously editor of FOCUS) reports, it’s nuggety, plucky, tenacious, and intelligent – all traits that should set it up for success. The latest Iveco T-Way was launched in New Zealand last year and, ever since its launch, we looked for […]

Scania’s flexible rentals simplify truck ownership November 14, 2024 For businesses burdened by truck ownership costs, Scania’s flexible rental solutions offer a streamlined, efficient alternative – with no financing, maintenance, or licensing worries. With over 130 years of experience in the trucking industry, Scania has a deep understanding of the demands placed on transport and logistics businesses. In response to these challenges, the company has crafted a rental solution that provides flexibility, reliability, and peace of mind. As a Scania […]

Isuzu’s agricultural heritage built on reliability September 25, 2024 Isuzu’s heritage is deeply intertwined with the agricultural industry, via the provision of robust, reliable, and high-performing vehicles that meet the demanding conditions of farming life. The company’s relationship with agriculture began early in its history, as it understood that farmers needed vehicles capable of enduring rough terrains, carrying heavy loads, and performing reliably under tough conditions. From iconic bakkies to heavy-duty commercial trucks, Isuzu remains a trusted partner for farmers […]

Success for Iveco at Lat.Bus 2024 September 5, 2024 Lat.Bus 2024, the largest event dedicated to mass transportation and mobility in Latin America, was held in São Paulo, Brazil, from 6 to 8 August. It was an extremely successful affair for Iveco Bus. At the show, Iveco Bus unveiled a renewed range covering the school, urban, intercity, and touring segments, specially developed for the Latin American market to support its energy transition. The company received orders for more than 350 […]

Lat.Bus 2024 accelerates transition to electric buses September 4, 2024 Lat.Bus Transporte Público 2024, the largest fair in the public transportation sector in Latin America, took place from 6 to 8 August at São Paulo Expo, in the largest city on the continent. MARCOS VILLELA was there, and he writes that the exhibition highlighted the transition to electric buses within urban transportation. A total of 20,000 people attended this year’s exhibition, including visitors, guests, and industry professionals. With a focus […]

Mobilising East Africa’s sustainable revolution August 15, 2024 In the bustling streets of East African cities, a quiet revolution is taking place. At the forefront of this transformation is Watu Credit, an asset financing company changing the landscape of mobility and financial inclusion across the continent. With a series of strategic initiatives and partnerships, Watu is not only providing access to transportation, but also paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, […]